Large plant bagging and planting system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A large plant bagging and planting system that is comprised of a hopper surge bin, a first and second workstation. The workstations are connected at or near the center between them, and each respective workstation has a set of walls, or a circular wall, that tapers inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, and there is at least one gate located below the walls or circular wall. There is also at least one gate located below each respective workstation. There is also at least one control arm configured to manipulate and hold a large plant into position within a grow bag while potting media that has been placed in the hopper surge bin, is released from at least one workstation via the at least one gate, in am amount appropriate to fill the grow bad to desired depth.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a Continuation in Part of, and claims the benefitof, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/315,661 entitled “LARGE PLANTBAGGING AND PLANTING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE,” filed on Mar. 2, 2022.The subject matter of this application is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the general field of large plantagriculture, specifically to agricultural machinery and plant tools, andmore specifically, to the planting of large plants, such as trees, forcontinued growth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Larger plants such as, for example, trees, shrubs, and bushes to be soldor otherwise distributed to locations of interest, often from a plantnursery as the point of order, have been, and often are, field-grown toa size suitable for sale. A tree sapling or seedling, as an example, isplanted in the ground, and allowed to grow to a suitable size for sale,then harvested by digging the tree and removing it from the ground alongwith an amount of surrounding soil to support the tree. Thesefield-grown trees are typically dug up from the ground by a tree spademachine, usually mounted on a truck or tractor that uses hydraulics toforce triangular blades into the ground around the tree. The bladessever the tree from much of its root system, so that the tree and asmall surrounding plug of earth can be removed.

However, this results in a number of problems. First, when a field-growntree is harvested and removed from the ground, as much as 90% of thesevered root system of the tree can be left behind in the soil. This canresult in field-grown trees, or Bag and Burlap (B&B) trees, having atransplant failure rate of about 35%. This is very costly andfrustrating.

Further, the field-planted trees absorb nutrients from the surroundingsoil, depleting the soil of these vital elements. Accordingly, aftertrees or other large plants reach maturity and are harvested from theground, the soil typically needs to be replenished for a period of time.As an example, when field-grown trees are harvested from the ground, thesoil requires a three year “off” rotation to give the ground time toreplenish itself. That results in three years where the ground cannot beused for anything other than cover crops. This means much ground isgoing unused at any given time, resulting in a great cost and waste ofland.

The current solution to this issue is to plant large plants such as, forexample, trees in grow bags. The grow bags are above ground and can bemade of various materials. A seedling or sapling and supporting pottingmedia, soil, or other suitable material are placed in the grow bagtogether. Grow bags have a much lower transplant failure rate for trees(around 2%) of other plants than field-grown or B&B trees because thetree or other plant's entire root system forms within the bag. Further,field-grown trees take about 2.5 times as long to mature as bag-growntrees, meaning bag-grown trees have a much more efficient growth ratethan field-grown trees.

Further, because the trees form completely in the above-ground growbags, growing these trees in these grow bags eliminates the need torotate any crops. Regarding trees, as nutrients are not being taken fromsurrounding soil, this would also prevent the three years lost waitingfor land to replenish itself before more trees can be grown.

However, planting trees in above-ground grow bags is a verytime-consuming and labor-intensive process. Typically, the saplings orseedlings placed into a grow bag can be about six to eight feet tall.Between the large size of the tree, the selected size of the grow bag,and the amount of potting media added, the tree planted in grow bags canbe very heavy and difficult to move. It is to be understood that theterm “potting media” refers herein to potting media, potting medium,soil, potting soil, or other material as known within the art in whichplants can be planted and grown.

There are many different sizes of above-ground grow bags available. Thefinished weight of a grow bag is determined by a combination of the sizeof bag selected (typically measured in gallons), the size of the tree tobe planted, and the amount and bulk density of the potting media or soilto be placed in the bag. The grow bags, when filled with trees andsupporting potting media, can be hundreds of pounds. The bigger the bag,the heavier it will be, requiring more personnel to move the bag.

Currently, the grow-bag planting process typically begins in a centrallocation where the potting media or soil is located in a large pile ormass for ease of access to the potting media, as the potting media is,by far, the heaviest portion involved. A grow bag is presented andfilled with a tree and surrounding potting media. The bag is typicallypartly filled with potting media so that the tree or shrub can be placedupon it. Then the tree is manually placed in the bag and manually heldin position by at least one person as the filling of the bag continuesand is completed. Typically, the bag is also filled manually.

It can take anywhere from two to six employees to place the plant intothe bag and fill it, depending on factors such as the size of the tree,the size of the bag that the tree is to be potted into, and the weightand bulk of potting media involved.

The workers stage themselves around the potting media or soil in groupsof two to six per tree. In a two-worker version of the process, oneemployee is needed to hold the above-ground grow bag open while holdingthe tree in the correct location within the bag, as another workershovels the potting media into the above-ground grow bag. When largerabove-ground grow bags and plants are involved, additional workers areoften required to help in supporting the bag and/or tree.

Once the plant is potted into the grow bag, the filled grow bag is thentypically moved away from the pile of potting media to a staging area.An additional crew, typically consisting of about four workers, thenlifts and loads the heavy, bagged tree from the staging area onto atrailer and drives the bag to its outdoor grow location where it, alongwith other planted grow bags, are to be unloaded.

The grow bags are then typically unloaded in the general area where theplants are to be planted. Trees, for example, are often placed and grownin long rows outdoors. These rows can be hundreds of feet long, the growarea covering multiple acres. The bags are then carried by hand into thelines by workers where they will grow and develop before being sold.

This means these heavy bags full of potting media and trees each need tobe carried or otherwise transported to their individual grow location.This can involve moving hundreds of pounds over long distances and area,possibly hundreds or even thousands of times.

To move a single grow bag to its growing location, it usually has to bemoved a minimum of four times operating at the maximum levels ofefficiency, but on average it is moved six times. This process offilling, moving, staging, and placing what can be hundreds or eventhousands of individually planted grown plants is usually a long andlabor-intensive process, the steps of which require excessive handlingover multiple steps to complete. This process often ends up withparticipation by twelve or more workers to get a single tree properlybagged and transported to its growing site. To plant and place a largenumber of trees in rows, dozens or more workers may be involved overall.

The inefficiency and labor intensity of this process results in a numberof issues, such as a great cost in work, money, and time. Because thisprocess is extremely labor intensive, it also poses serious potentialrisks to the workers involved. Repeatedly moving this much weight ofmaterial over what are often long distances, lifting and lowering whatis often many times, greatly increases the risk of the workers involvedhaving accidents or suffering injuries. These often result in time offand worker's comp claims—unwanted by both workers and employers.

Further, the current processes are not only very time consuming but alsorequire extensive amounts of training for the workers. It can take up toa year to property train a worker. For example, workers need to knowcorrect planting depths. Trees planted at incorrect depths, whetherfield-grown or bag-grown, can fall to thrive, mature at much slowerrates, or even die.

In addition, the multiple and continuous movement, plus the numeroustimes each plant needs to be lifted, set down, and moved before reachingits final growing location, results in additional stress to the newlyplanted plants, adding risk they will not survive their planting.

In addition, the current processes are time consuming when the timewindow for planting is typically limited. Trees, for example, oftenarrive bareroot in the winter. Bareroot trees are seedlings or saplingsdug from a field and shipped without surrounding dirt, to be plantedinto the grow bags. Bareroot trees have only a short window of time,during the winter, when they are in their dormancy period, during whichthey can be planted without a high mortality rate. If this limitedwindow is missed and trees or shrubs are planted past their dormancyperiod, their mortality rate can be as high as 100%.

The current processes can best be described as functional yet long,tiring, expensive, highly risky, and generally far from functioning atan optimal level of efficiency. What is needed is a process andapparatus that provides an improved planting solution for large plants,such as trees, particularly when large numbers of large plants areinvolved, while increasing planting efficiency and reducing labor perplant. Further, what is needed is a process and apparatus that canquicken planting during the limited time window of dormancy whileaddressing the issues herein.

SUMMARY

A large grow bag tree bagging and planting system (“system”) and methodof use—is shown and described herein. It is to be understood that theterm “tree” is used for convenience and herein refers to large plants asknown and understood within the art, including, but not limited to,trees, shrubs, and bushes. It is to be further understood that the term“tree” herein also includes large flowering plants capable of growingmore than six feet high, such as cannabis.

The grow-bag tree planting system consists, generally, of a hopper surgebin (“hopper”), a respective first workstation and second workstationatop and attached to a holding frame. The hopper is constructed to befilled with potting media and to contain an amount of potting media orsoil as the potting media or soil is carried to a planting location.

The first and second workstations are connected at or near the centerbetween them, such that the workstations can both be filled by fillingthe top of the hopper. A workstation herein has a wider mouth at thetop, tapering downward into an opening at the bottom, capable ofdischarge of the hopper contents. At least the side wall of the firstworkstation is tapered to funnel the potting media downward, and inother embodiments, the walls are tapered on at least three sides towardthe opening. In these embodiments, each workstation is comprised of afirst front-tapered wall, first side-tapered wall, and a firstrear-tapered wall, to direct the potting media's direction of travel.

The system can be placed on or within a mobile transport apparatus. Whenone or more trees are to be placed, a suitable amount of potting mediais supplied into the hopper. A suitable amount of trees and grow bagsare brought along, either in the mobile transport device or separately.

When the mobile transport device reaches or nears a plant placementspot, the grow bag is placed in position. A representative tree isplaced in the proper position within the grow bag, typically with theroots in position within the grow bag and suspended at a pre-determineddistance above the bottom of the grow bag.

The first robotic arm is capable of holding and manipulating the treeinto position. The first robotic arm can be manually operated, or as inthis embodiment, include first robotic arm controls and a robotic armpowering apparatus. The first robotic arm and its controls are capableof moving and positioning a tree at a desired location within the growbag and at a desired height above the bottom of the grow bag.

Generally, a pair of respective representative first upper and lowergates of each workstation, located apart from each other and near thebottom of each workstation, are opened and potting media from theworkstation travels downward within the workstation.

In an embodiment, the potting media is funneled by the tapered wallsdown towards, and out from, a directed spout or discharge at the bottomof the workstation, exiting the directed spout and into the grow bag,positioned beneath the directed spout.

With the grow bag filled and tree planted and secured within, the growbag can be left there at its growing site, or if needed, moved a shortdistance to its growing site. With the grow bag now filled andpositioned, this is typically where the tree 84 will develop and grow.

In a preferred embodiment, the first upper gate is a rack-and-pinionoperated slide gate. This first upper gate can be closed as the hopperis filled. Typically, the upper slide gate is opened during use but isclosed during filling of the hopper. Though a rack and pinion apparatusis used in this embodiment, any suitable gate apparatus capable ofopening a gate against such pressure can be utilized, including, but notlimited to, e.g., a manually operated or motorized system, a hydraulicsystem, pneumatic system, or alternate gearing system.

The lower gate is also capable of closing the bottom of the firstworkstation. The lower gate, because it is less likely to have thepressure of the entire load of potting 1 o media pressing upon it thanthe first upper gate, can be a manually operated type gate with manualopening apparatus, but can be any suitable type needed.

To help prevent a compaction clog, the upper and lower gates can bealternatively opened and closed, rather than left open, for gradualrelease of the potting media to prevent a sudden single drop of pottingmedia through the upper and lower gates and into the first directedspout.

Alternatively, if a compaction clog does occur, each upper gate can beclosed, so that gravitational pressure of the potting media from the topof the hopper is against the closed first upper gate instead of againstthe potting media below the first upper gate. The first lower gate, ifit is not open already, can be opened, and any clogs or compacted areasquickly cleared out. A first access cover can also be opened and allowaccess for quick clearing. The first access cover can be placed whereverappropriate, and in an embodiment, is arranged just above the firstupper gate. The arrangement of the first upper gate and first lower gategreatly reduce, if not eliminate, the chances of compaction because anempty space can be created between the two gates, providing the pottingmedia above the upper gate room to expand as it falls.

Further, at least one sight glass can be provided to facilitate visualmonitoring of the falling potting media to quickly help spot anycompactions or clogs. The at least one sight glass can be provided innumber and location as appropriate.

In a further embodiment, an auger media transfer system is provided tomechanically aid in feeding the potting media around a tree. The augermedia transfer system is comprised, generally, of an internal auger, anauger spout, and a respective auger motor and auger motor controlapparatus. The auger media transfer system is generally attached at thebottom of the workstation. Potting media from the first workstation isdirected to, and moved along by, an internal auger. The potting media ispushed through the internal auger and out the first auger spout.

The internal auger in this embodiment is powered by the auger motor,which is controlled by the first auger motor control apparatus. The useof an auger apparatus has a number of advantages. First, the constantmovement and breakup of the potting media by the first internal augerwill help prevent compactions and clogs. Second, with the internal augerand controls, the rate of fill of a grow bag can be started, stopped,and adjusted by adjusting the speed of the auger motor (usually RPMs).The internal auger can provide speed-controlled and metered feeding ofthe potting media into the above-ground grow bag. This can provide adischarge rate that can be controlled.

To facilitate the placement of multiple trees, the system is secured onor within the mobile transport apparatus. The mobile transport apparatuscan be any device capable of supporting and moving the system todesignated grow sites or along rows of grow sites. The system is mountedto the mobile transport apparatus as appropriate to secure it, yetprovide room for placement and filling of the grow bags. In anotherembodiment, the system and mobile transport apparatus can be combined,or even manufactured, as a single-piece planting vehicle with specificpurpose.

In a further embodiment, the system is supported by a holding frame. Theholding frame is arranged so as to provide secure attachment of thesystem onto the mobile transport apparatus. In a further embodiment, theholding frame is comprised of a guide for placement upon the mobiletransport device and a set of legs.

The holding frame also serves to aid in safe lifting and lowering of thesystem onto the mobile transport apparatus. The legs assist in mountingthe system safely to the mobile transport device and provide stabilityafter mounting by assisting in more evenly distributing the weight ofthe system and its load. In an embodiment, the guide and legs distributesome of the weight from the sides of the mobile transport device uponwhich the system is resting on the bed of the mobile transport device.

The workstations are usually provided in at least pairs mounted on amobile transport device for two reasons. First, in this configuration,trees or other large plants can be planted in grow bags on both sides atonce. This is faster and more efficient and provides sufficient growthspace between the trees or shrubs. Second, having workstations on bothsides balances the weight within the system, which will help preventtipping.

Further, use of the bilateral workstations in the bed of the mobiletransport apparatus not only aids in transport but increases speed andefficiency.

In further embodiments, a fertilizer additive system is provided that iscomprised, generally, of a fertilizer hopper, fertilizer internal auger,fertilizer auger motor, and fertilizer auger motor controls. Anappropriate amount of fertilizer is fed into each fertilizer hopper, anddirected downward to, and moved along by, each first fertilizer internalauger—through each provided aperture in each workstation and into thebottom of each workstation. The fertilizer is pushed through therotating internal auger toward the first workstation. The fertilizeradditive system can be powered by the fertilizer auger motor, which iscontrolled by the first auger motor control apparatus. The firstfertilizer additive system can provide a controlled feed of thefertilizer into the potting media, via the motor controls, leading to aneven mix of fertilizer into the potting media.

In another embodiment, a spout extension assists in directing the flowfrom the auger spout into the grow bag. Each spout extension iscomprised of a flexible tubing that can be moved for easier and moreefficient feeding of the potting media into each grow bag.

In another embodiment, the mobile transport device is further comprisedof an incorporated mobile refill system. The system, mobile transportsystem, and mobile refill system can be arranged as a singleincorporated unit, or separate assembled components. The refillcontainer can be at a fixed location, on a trailer or second mobilevehicle, or be part of a second refill vehicle. In one embodiment, therefill container is at a fixed location. Potting media conveyor tubingextends from the refill container to a location atop or within thehopper. A spout is attached to the end of the potting media conveyortubing.

In use, a large amount of potting media 82 is placed into the refillcontainer, and the spout and one end of the potting media conveyortubing is positioned above the hopper. The mobile refill system isactivated, and the refill system moves the potting media along thepotting media conveyor tube and into the hopper to fill it.

In some embodiments, the system is powered by a refill motor andcontrolled by refill system controls.

In a further embodiment, though other systems can be used, a pneumaticsystem is used for moving the potting media. A pneumatic tube isprovided from the refill motor and connected to the potting mediaconveyor tube. A vacuum is created upon activation via the pneumatictube, moving the potting media along the potting media conveyor tube andinto the hopper.

In another embodiment, the length of the hopper on a mobile transport toaccommodate alternate amounts of potting media can vary, as well as thesize of the mobile transport device to accommodate it.

In yet another embodiment, the size and length of the hopper and numberof workstations on a mobile transport can vary, as well as the size ofthe mobile transport device to accommodate the number of bilateralworkstations provided. The hopper can be shortened for smallerworkstations, or lengthened to accommodate more workstations if it wouldbe advantageous to increase the planting capacity by increasing thenumber of workstations per mobile transport device.

In a further embodiment, a pair of additional workstations are added tothe hopper. This arrangement doubles the number of workstations of thesystem on the mobile transport device from two to four. Accordingly, thesingle hopper can be filled from a single source while supplying theincreased number of workstations.

In yet another embodiment, at least one set of apparatus can be addedfor securing the system to the mobile transport device.

In another embodiment, the process can be automated, with, for example,control of each robotic arm, the first and second auger media transfersystems and their components, the first and second fertilizer additivesystems and their components, their respective feed rate and mix ratio,and placement and support of each grow bag, or other components orprocesses, being achieved by automated means.

In another embodiment, the system includes at least one sensor, such as,e.g., an electric eye sensor, which can coordinate data with the firstand/or second robotic arms and the auger media transfer system todetermine correct planting depth. The at least one sensor can providedata to monitor the depth of planting media as it fills either grow bagand coordinate with the media transfer system to direct it to start andcontinue flow, then stop it when the sensor detects the correct depthhas been reached. The application of a sensor will help ensure that eachabove-ground grow bag 80 is filled to the desired level around eachtree.

In addition, a hopper surge bin lid can also be provided with thesystem. The hopper surge bin lid can keep moisture, for example, if itis raining, from getting into the potting media and interfering with itsflow.

This invention herein provides an improved planting solution and methodfor assembling, bagging, planting, and placing trees in their specificgrow areas with increased efficiency and labor savings, and in a reducedtime.

This invention eliminates the need for workers to individually hand fillgrow bags with shovels from a pile of potting media, or to individuallymove grow bags away from the pile of potting media, or to lift, load, ormove the heavy bags to their outdoor grow locations. The invention alsoreduces the associated stress to large plants of being repeatedly movedbefore being placed in their grow locations, and helps ensure that treesor other large plants are planted within their limited dormancy timewindow

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view schematic diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a top plan view schematic diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 1 , showing theinvention in use.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an additional embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a side view schematic diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 1 ,displaying a feature of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the inventionin use.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in furtheruse.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an additional embodiment of theinvention displaying an additional feature.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a further possible embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an additional embodiment of theinvention, displaying an additional feature.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an additional embodiment of theinvention, displaying an additional feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning to FIG. 1 , a basic embodiment of the invention herein—a largeplant bagging and planting system and method of use—is shown anddescribed herein. In some more specific embodiments, described isagricultural machinery for use to assist, such as, for example, theplant nursery industry, in planting large nursery plant stock such astrees in above-ground grow bags. It is to be understood that applicationof the concept herein can extend beyond trees, and that the term “tree”is used for convenience and herein refers to large plants as known andunderstood within the art, including, but not limited to, trees, shrubs,and bushes. It is to be further understood that the term “tree” hereinalso includes large flowering plants capable of growing more than sixfeet high, such as cannabis.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from a consideration of the following detailed description andthe accompanying drawings. The following descriptions are made referringto the figures, wherein like reference number refers to like featuresthroughout this description. It is to be understood some features maynot be visible in some figures.

The grow-bag tree planting system 10 consists, generally, of a hoppersurge bin (“hopper”) 12, a respective first workstation and secondworkstation 14, 114, atop and attached to a holding frame 70.

The hopper 12 is constructed to be filled with potting media and tocontain an amount of potting media or soil as the potting media or soilis carried to a planting location. The hopper 12 can be of anyappropriate size, but in one embodiment, has a carrying capacity ofapproximately five cubic of potting media in each respective workstation14, 114.

The hopper 12 is also constructed so as to handle the level of moisturethat typically comes along with potting media without rusting orotherwise breaking down. The hopper 12 is typically made up of carbonsteel, stainless steel, aluminum, or some combination of these.

In this embodiment, the first and second workstations 14, 114 areconnected at or near the center between them, such that the workstations14, 114 can both be filled by filling the top of the hopper 12, thoughthe workstations 14, 114 can be configured such that they are connectedbut not at the center, or configured such that they are filledseparately.

Though there are a respective pair of workstations 14, 114, and thoughit is to be understood that the second workstation 114 in thisembodiment has the same or similar components and method of use of thefirst workstation 14, this discussion, for focus and clarity, will be inrelation to the first workstation 14.

The first workstation 14 herein has a wider mouth at the top, taperingdownward into a lower opening at or near the bottom, capable ofdischarge of the hopper contents. In some preferred embodiments, atleast the side wall 16 of the first workstation 14 is tapered to funnelthe potting media downward, and in this embodiment, the walls aretapered on at least three sides toward a lower opening. In thisembodiment, the workstation is comprised of a first front-tapered wall15, first side-tapered wall 16, and a first rear-tapered wall 17, todirect the potting media's direction of travel.

In other embodiments each respective workstation 14, 114 is comprised ofa circular wall tapering inward from the wider top opening to the loweropening in a funnel type arrangement, or of three sides with at leastone side tapering inward from the wider top opening to the loweropening.

Turning briefly also to FIG. 4 , the grow-bag tree planting system(“system”) is provided. The system 10 is placed on or within a mobiletransport apparatus 76. The mobile transport apparatus 76 can be anyapparatus capable of supporting the system in the art.

When one or more trees are to be placed, a suitable amount of pottingmedia is supplied into the hopper 12. A suitable amount of trees andgrow bags are brought along, either in the mobile transport device 76 orseparately. This process can involve dozens or hundreds or more treesbut will be represented herein with reference to placing a single tree,and with representative tree 84 and grow bag 80.

When the mobile transport device 76 reaches or nears a plant placementspot, the grow bag 80 is placed in position. The tree 84 is placed inthe proper position within the grow bag 80, typically with the roots inposition within the grow bag 80 and suspended at a pre-determineddistance above the bottom of the grow bag 80. This can be done bymanually holding the plant in position, or as in this embodiment, by afirst controlled robotic arm 28 holding the tree 84 in position.

The first robotic arm 28 is capable of holding and manipulating the treeinto position. The first robotic arm 28 can be manually operated, or asin this embodiment, include first robotic arm controls 30 and a roboticarm powering apparatus 32. The first robotic arm 28 and its controls 30are capable of moving and positioning a tree 84 at a desired locationwithin the grow bag 80 and at a desired height above the bottom of thegrow bag 80. It is noted that the robotic arms 28, 128 can be foldedwhen not in use, as shown for the second robotic arm 1.

The first robotic arm controls 30 and powering apparatus 32 can be ofany suitable type known in the art. The controls 30 can be, e.g., butare not limited to, a joystick set of levers, a set of buttons and/orswitches, a computer and mouse, or touch screen controls. The firstrobotic arm controls 30 can be present at the apparatus location, as inthis embodiment, connected by wires from a separate location, or evencontrolled remotely with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other signal apparatus.The powering apparatus can include any known in the art, such as, e.g.,standard plug-in 110 v or 220 v, solar apparatus, or battery apparatus.

Generally, a pair of respective first upper and lower gates 20, 22 ofthe first workstation 14, located apart from each other and near thebottom of the first workstation 14, are opened and potting media 82 fromthe first workstation 14 travels downward within the first workstation14.

In this embodiment, the potting media 82 is funneled by the taperedwalls 15, 16, 17 down toward, and out from, a first directed spout 34 ordischarge (in this embodiment a spout) at the bottom of the firstworkstation 14, exiting the first directed spout 34, and into the growbag 80, positioned beneath the first directed spout 34.

When the tree 84 is positioned within the grow bag 80, how the grow bag80 is filled can vary as appropriate. For example, the tree 84 can beheld in position within and above the bottom of the grow bag 80, thefirst upper and lower gates 20, 22 released, and the grow bag 80 thencompletely filled, burying the roots of the tree 84 in a single step. Inan alternative, the first upper and lower gates 20, 22 can be opened,but only long enough to fill the grow bag 80 to a pre-determined amountabove the bottom of the grow bag 80. The first upper and lower gates 20,22 can be closed and the flow of potting media 82 stopped. The tree 84can then be placed atop the planting media 82 within the grow bag 84.The first upper and lower gates 20, 22 are re-opened and the filling ofthe grow bag 80 is resumed to completion.

With the grow bag 80 filled and tree 82 planted and secured within, thegrow bag 82 can be left there at its growing site, or If needed, moved ashort distance to its growing site. Any further needed steps to set upthe tree 84, such as, e.g., adding fertilizers or other chemicals, canbe completed. With the grow bag 82 now filled and positioned, this istypically where the tree 84 will develop and grow.

The tree 84 can be sold or transferred but is typically left to grow anddevelop (except for routine maintenance and the like) for a suitabletime, until it is sold or otherwise transferred and permanentlyplanted-typically about two to three years. Because a bagged plant hasbeen assembled and placed on the growing site, the ground soil remainsunused and undamaged. In fact, as the underneath of the grow bag 80tends to provide a dark, warmer place with condensate, it tends toattract creatures capable of creating a beneficial micro-climate for theground, such as earth worms, Insects, and spiders.

Returning to FIG. 1 , in this preferred embodiment, the first upper gate20 is a rack-and-pinion-operated slide gate. This first upper gate 20can be closed as the hopper 12 is filled. Typically, the first upperslide gate 20 is opened during use but is closed during filling of thehopper 12. A rack-and-pinion system is provided and used for the uppergate 20 in this embodiment because the weight of the load of pottingmedia 82 above the first upper gate 20 will exert downward pressureagainst the first upper gate 20, and such an apparatus is capable ofopening or closing the first upper gate 20 against the pressure andweight of the potting media 82.

Though a rack and pinion apparatus is used in this embodiment, anysuitable gate apparatus capable of opening a gate against such pressurecan be utilized, including, but not limited to, e.g., a manuallyoperated or motorized system, a hydraulic system, pneumatic system, oralternate gearing system.

The first lower gate 22 is also capable of closing the bottom of thefirst workstation 14. The first lower gate 22, because it is less likelyto have the pressure of the entire load of potting media 82 pressingupon it than the first upper gate 20, can be a manually operated typegate with manual opening apparatus, but can be any suitable type needed,such as any type described for the first upper gate 20.

When a user moves the potting media 82 into the grow bag 80, because thepotting media 82 is funneled inward as well as downward into anever-narrowing travel area of the first workstation 14 toward thebottom, it can become compacted or clogged and jam, particularly at ornear the bottom of the first workstation 14. Such a compaction of thepotting media 82 can hamper the flow of potting media 82 or result in aclog of the potting media 82, either slowing or stopping the plantingprocess.

To help prevent a compaction clog, the first upper and lower gates 20,22 can be alternatively opened and closed, rather than left open, forgradual release of the potting media 82 to prevent a sudden single dropof potting media 82 through the first upper and lower gates 20, 22 andinto the first directed spout 34. Because the first tapered walls 15,16, 17 narrow the path for the potting media 82 as it travels downward,the chances of a compaction clog are greatest at the bottom, in the areabelow the first upper gate 82 to the first directed spout 34.

Alternatively, if a compaction clog does occur, the first upper gate 20can be closed, so that gravitational pressure of the potting media 82from the top of the hopper 12 is against the closed first upper gate 20instead of against the potting media 82 below the first upper gate 20.

The first lower gate 22, if it is not open already, can be opened, andany clogs or compacted areas quickly cleared out. A first access cover18 can also be opened and allow access for quick clearing. The firstaccess cover 19 can be placed wherever appropriate, and in thisembodiment, is arranged just above the first upper gate 20. The firstaccess cover can additionally provide access as needed for other helpfulpurposes, such as checking or maintaining the gates 20, 22. Thearrangement of the first upper gate 20 and first lower gate 22 greatlyreduce, if not eliminate, the chances of compaction because an emptyspace can be created between the two gates, providing the potting media82 above the first upper gate 20 room to expand as it falls.

Further, at least one sight glass can be provided to facilitate visualmonitoring of the failing potting media 82 to help spot any compactionsor clogs quickly. The at least one sight glass can be provided in numberand location as appropriate. In this embodiment, there are a respectivefirst upper and lower sight glass 24, 26.

Though in this embodiment, a pair of first gates 20, 22 are used, thegate arrangement can be any suitable one, such as a single gate oradditional gates, depending upon such factors as type of potting mediaused and moisture content of the potting media.

In addition, to enhance material flow and reduce the chances ofcompactions or clogs, and to quickly clear a compaction or clog shouldone occur, the tapering walls 15, 16, 17 of the first workstation 14 inthis embodiment are arranged to have a steep angle of 65-75 degrees, andmore specifically, 70 degrees. Alternatively, the angle can be about 70degrees; that is, proximate enough to 70 degrees to successfully fulfillthe functions described herein.

The second provided workstation 114, though it can have variations inarrangement from the first provided workstation 14, is substantiallysimilar in arrangement and function with the first workstation 14. Inthis embodiment, for example, the second workstation 114, like the firstworkstation 14, is comprised of a second front-tapered wall 115, secondside-tapered wall, 116 and second rear-tapered wall 117. The secondworkstation 114 is further comprised of a second access cover 118,second upper slide gate 120 and second lower slide gate 122, a secondrespective upper and lower slight class 124, 126, and a second directedspout 134. There is also provided a second robotic arm 128, secondrobotic arm control apparatus 130, and second robotic arm poweringapparatus 132.

Turning to FIGS. 2-3 , other views of the embodiment of FIG. 1 are shownto provide enhanced viewing of the system 10. Turning to FIG. 2 , a sideview of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is shown. Turning to FIG. 3 , a topplan view shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 from above. This view helpsshow the tapering and flow-directing features of the first and secondrespective sets of tapered walls 15, 16, 17 and 115, 116, 117.

Turning to Figure, additional apparatus for guiding and moving along thepotting media 82 is provided. In this embodiment, a first auger mediatransfer system 40 is provided to mechanically aid in feeding thepotting media around a tree. Though there are a respective pair of firstand second auger media transfer systems 40, 140 in this embodiment asbefore, for focus and clarity, this discussion will be in relation tothe first auger media transfer system.

The first auger media transfer system 40 is comprised, generally, of afirst internal auger 42, an auger spout 44, and a respective first augermotor 46 and first auger motor control apparatus 48.

The first auger media transfer system 40 is attached at the bottom ofthe first workstation 14. As indicated by representative arrow A,potting media 82 from the first workstation 14 is directed to, and movedalong by, a first internal auger 42. The first internal auger 42 issimilar to an agricultural-type auger for moving solid materials along.Such augers generally consist of a shaft and flat helical componentwrapped about the shaft within a cylindrical wall. The potting media 82is pushed through the first internal auger 82 out the first auger spout44.

The first internal auger 42 in this embodiment is powered by the augermotor 46, which is controlled by the first auger motor control apparatus48. The first auger motor 46 can be powered by any suitable means in theart, such as fossil fuel, solar, or electric. Further, in otherembodiments, other motors may be present. The first motor controlapparatus 48 can be comprised of any suitable apparatus known in theart, such as, but not limited to, a joystick set of levers, a set ofbuttons and/or switches, a computer and mouse, or touch screen controls.The auger control apparatus 48 can be present at the apparatus location,as in this embodiment, connected by wires from a separate location, oreven controlled remotely with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other signalapparatus.

The flow of the potting media 82 from the first auger spout 44 into agrow bag 80 is shown. The first auger media transfer system eliminatesthe need for at least one laborer to hand shovel the potting media 82into the above-ground grow bag, saving much time and labor.

The use of an auger apparatus has a number of advantages. First, theconstant movement and breakup of the potting media 82 by the firstinternal auger 42 will help prevent compactions and clogs. This can alsoeliminate the necessity to shovel the potting media into the grow bag 80and around the tree.

Second, with the first internal auger 42 and controls 48, the rate offill of a grow bag can be started, stopped, and adjusted by adjustingthe speed of the auger motor (usually RPMs). The first internal auger 42can provide speed-controlled and metered feeding of the potting media 82into the above-ground grow bag 80. This can provide a discharge ratethat can be controlled.

While a single worker or the first robotic arm 28 holds the tree 84 inplace, during the planting procedure, a single worker can operate thefirst internal auger 42 and feed the potting media 82 into theabove-ground grow bag 80 in the correct location and support theabove-ground grow bag 80 as the potting media 82 continues to be filledaround the roots of the tree 84.

Further, labor will be saved by the first robotic arm 28. The roboticarm can hold the tree 82 centered and at the correct height within thegrow bag 80 as it is filled with potting media 82 from the firstinternal auger 42. This saves the labor of at least one worker having toposition and hold the tree 84 within the grow bag 80 as the grow bag 80is filled.

In this embodiment, the second auger media transfer system 140, like thefirst auger media transfer system 40, is comprised of a second internalauger 142, a second auger spout 144, a second auger motor 140, and asecond auger motor control apparatus 148.

Returning to FIG. 4 , multiple grow bags are often placed in rowsdesigned and spaced for a vehicle to drive between them for maintenanceand the like. The rows are also spaced to allow adequate spacing for thetrees to grow. On average, the row the vehicle travels down is ten totwelve feet wide, and the space in between each bag-grown tree or shrubwithin each row varies depending on factors such as desired finishedgrowth size.

To facilitate this or similar placement of multiple trees, the system 10is secured on or within the mobile transport apparatus 76. The mobiletransport apparatus 76 can be any device capable of supporting andmoving the system 10 to designated grow sites or along rows of growsites. For a few examples, the mobile transport apparatus 76 can be aflatbed trailer, flatbed truck, trailer with rails, or a truck with abed. The system 10 is mounted to the mobile transport apparatus 76 asappropriate to secure it, yet provide room for placement and filling ofthe grow bags. In another embodiment, the system 10 and mobile transportapparatus 76 can be combined, or even manufactured, as a single-pieceplanting vehicle with specific purpose.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , a truck is shown in use. Also, in thisembodiment, the system 10 is supported in this placement by a holdingframe 70. The holding frame 70 is arranged so as to provide secureattachment of the system 10 onto the mobile 1 s transport apparatus 76.In this embodiment, the holding frame 70 is comprised of a guide 72 forplacement upon the truck bed, and a set of legs, represented here as 74,74′. The system 10 can, alternatively, be supported by a guide orguides. The holding frame 70 also serves to aid in safe lifting andlowering of the system onto the mobile transport apparatus 76. The legsassist in mounting the system 10 safely to the mobile transport device76 and provide stability after mounting, by assisting in more evenlydistributing the weight of the system 10 and its load. In thisembodiment, for example, the guide 72 and legs distribute some of theweight from the sides of the truck 76 upon which the system 10 isresting on the bed of the truck. In this preferred embodiment of thesystem 10, at least a pair of workstations 14, 114 are provided, eachextending off the respective sides of the bed of the truck 76 andsecured to the truck 76 by the holding frame 70.

Turning to FIG. 7 , a side view of an embodiment of the system 10 isshown. The holding frame 70 is shown with a set of longer legs 74, 74′for use in distributing the load in a flatbed trailer or truck.

As can be seen in various figures, the workstations 14, 114 are usuallyprovided in at least pairs mounted on the bed or trailer for tworeasons. First, in this configuration, trees or shrubs can be planted ingrow bags on both sides at once. This is faster and more efficient andprovides sufficient growth space between the trees or shrubs. Second, asingle system filled with potting media will weigh a great deal—up tothousands of pounds. Having workstations on both sides balances theweight within the system 10, which will help prevent tipping.

Use of the bilateral workstations 14, 114 in the bed of the mobiletransport apparatus 76 not only aids in transport but increases speedand efficiency. With bilateral workstations 14, 114 provided, several orpossibly as few as two employees—one working off each side of the truckor trailer—can easily plant multiple trees in above-ground grow bags,which normally requires up to eight people to accomplish. Further, sincethe trees are placed at their grow sites where they will develop beforethey are sold, the additional four worker crew members to move saidtrees are also no longer required. Accordingly, what would typically bea twelve-worker operation can be reduced greatly, possibly down to atwo-worker operation.

Turning to FIG. 6 , it is often advantageous to add fertilizers,beneficial chemicals, or other additives (“fertilizer”) at the time ofplanting and placement. Though a pair of respective first and secondfertilizer additive apparatus 50, 150 are provided, for focus andclarity, this discussion will be in relation to the first fertilizeradditive apparatus 50.

The first fertilizer additive system 50 is comprised, generally, of afirst fertilizer hopper 52, first fertilizer internal auger 54, firstfertilizer auger motor 56, and first fertilizer auger motor controls 58.The first fertilizer additive system 50 is attached at the bottomportion of the first workstation 14 at an appropriate location; in thisembodiment, it is between the first upper and first lower gates 20, 22.

As indicated by representative arrow B, an appropriate amount offertilizer is fed into the first fertilizer hopper 52, and directeddownward to, and moved along by, the first fertilizer internal auger54—through a provided aperture in the first workstation 14 and into thebottom of the first workstation 14. The first fertilizer internal auger54 is similar to an agricultural-type auger for moving solid materialsalong. The fertilizer is pushed through the rotating first internalauger 54 toward the first workstation 14.

The first fertilizer additive system 50 in this embodiment is powered bythe first fertilizer auger motor 56, which is controlled by the firstauger motor control apparatus 58. The first fertilizer auger motor 56can be powered by any suitable means in the art, such as fossil fuel,solar, or electric. Further, in other embodiments, other motors may bepresent.

The first fertilizer auger motor controls 58 can be comprised of anysuitable apparatus known in the art, such as, but not limited to, ajoystick set of levers, a set of buttons and/or switches, a computer andmouse, or touch screen controls. The first fertilizer auger controlapparatus 58 can be present at the apparatus location, as in thisembodiment, connected by wires from a separate location, or evencontrolled remotely with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other signal apparatus.

The first fertilizer additive system 50 can provide a controlled feed ofthe fertilizer into the potting media 82, via the motor controls 58,leading to an even mix of fertilizer into the potting media. The firstfertilizer additive system 50 can reduce or eliminate the need formanual measuring, monitoring, and hand feeding fertilizer into thepotting soil, saving much time and labor. If the fertilizer is a “topdress” fertilizer, the fertilizer auger motor 56 can be left off, thenturned on at or near the end of filling the grow bag 82, to provide alayer of fertilizer at or near the potting media surface within the growbag 80.

Additionally, the second fertilizer additive system 150 is comprised ofa second fertilizer hopper 152, a second fertilizer internal auger 154,a second fertilizer auger motor 156, and a second fertilizer auger motorcontrols 158.

Turning to FIG. 8 , another embodiment of the system 10 is shown, havingthe respective first and second fertilizer additive systems 50, 150.Here, both potting media flow A and fertilizer flow B are shown. Herealso is shown a first spout extension 62 in use. The first spoutextension 62 assists in directing the flow from the auger spout 44 intothe grow bag 80. The first spout extension 62 is comprised of a flexibletubing that can be moved for easier and more efficient feeding of thepotting media 82 into the grow bag 80.

Turning to FIG. 9 , an embodiment showing both respective workstations14, 114 in use on both sides, with arrows B′, B′ Indicating therespective directions of fertilizer flow. Further, respective pottingmedia 82, 82′ flows from respective first and second spout extension 62,162 into the respective grow bags 80 with respective trees 84, 84′.

Turning to FIG. 10 , in another embodiment, a mobile refill system 90 isprovided. The typical way in the art to fill something like the hopper12 would be to obtain a scooping apparatus like a bobcat and fill thehopper 12 a scoop at a time. Needless to say, this can be a slow processthat encumbers the planting process.

Herein, the mobile transport device 76 is further comprised of anincorporated mobile refill system 90. The system 10, mobile transportsystem 76, and mobile refill system 90 can be arranged as a singleincorporated unit, or separate assembled components. In this embodiment,a refill container 92 is provided. The refill container 92 can be at afixed location, on a trailer or second mobile vehicle, or be part of asecond refill vehicle. In this embodiment, the refill container 92 isshown at a fixed location. Potting media conveyor tubing 96 extends fromthe refill container 92 to a location, in this embodiment, atop thehopper 12. A spout 97 is attached to the end of the potting mediaconveyor tubing 96.

In use, and as shown by arrow C, a large amount of potting media 82 isplaced into the refill container 92, and the spout 97 and one end of thepotting media conveyor tubing 96 is positioned above the hopper 12. Themobile refill system 90 is activated and the refill system 90 moves thepotting media 82 along the potting media conveyor tube 96 and into thehopper 12 to fill it.

The mobile refill system 90 can move the potting media 82 by anysuitable means in the art, such as, e.g., a conveyor, agriculturalauger, or pneumatic conveying system. The system can be activated andpowered by any known and acceptable means in the art.

In this embodiment, for example, the system is powered by a refill motor93 and controlled by refill system controls 94. Also in this embodiment,a pneumatic system is shown for moving the potting media 82. A pneumatictube 95 is provided from the refill motor 93 and connected to thepotting media conveyor tube 96. A vacuum is created upon activation viathe pneumatic tube 95, moving the potting media 82 along the pottingmedia conveyor tube 96 and into the hopper 12. The pneumatic system issomewhat analogous to the pneumatic system commonly used by banks attheir drive-thru facilities.

The mobile refill system 90 can be secured to the system 10 by suitablemeans, including herein a set of clamps 98. The attached mobile refillsystem 90 can be maneuvered into a position when in use, and another outof the way position when not in use.

The refill motor 93 can be powered by any suitable means in the art,such as fossil fuel, solar, or electric. One or more additional motorsmay be present as well.

The refill control apparatus 94 can be comprised of any suitableapparatus known in the art, such as, but not limited to, a joystick setof levers, a set of buttons and/or switches, a computer and mouse, ortouch screen controls. The refill control apparatus 94 can be present atthe apparatus location, as in this embodiment, connected by wires from aseparate location, or even controlled remotely with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, orother signal apparatus.

The mobile refill apparatus 90 adds to speed and efficiency by providingan apparatus for enabling the system 10 to be at use in the fieldlonger, and with fewer interruptions. Currently, many trips back andforth to a central pile of potting media are necessary to transport thefilled bags with potting media 82 from the pile to the grow bags as thegrow bags are being placed. Though the system 10 is a great improvementover this, the system would still need to be transported back and forthto the pile of potting media for refilling as work progresses.

With the mobile refilling system 10, the hopper 10 can, in oneembodiment, be quickly filled from the refill container 92 rather thanbeing loaded by bobcat or other typical means. This means that thesystem 10 is offline for less time to be refilled, increasing efficiencyand speed. If the refill container 92 is placed on a secondary vehicle,the secondary vehicle can approach the mobile transport device 76, andwith the mobile refill system 90, the hopper 12 can be loaded directlyfrom the refill container 92. This would be somewhat analogous torefueling a first jet from a second refueling jet while in flight. Inthis embodiment, the system 10 could continue staying in use with noneed to take it offline for refilling. Besides increasing the speed andefficiency of the process, it also increases safety by reducing thechances for tipping or other mishaps while the mobile transport device76 moves back and forth for refilling. There is also less wear andrutting of the ground between the bag planting area and pile of pottingmedia 82.

Turning to FIG. 11 , the size and length of the hopper 12 and number ofworkstations 14, 114 on a mobile transport 76 can vary, as well as thesize of the mobile transport device 76 to accommodate the number ofbilateral workstations provided. The hopper 12 can be shortened forsmaller workstations, or lengthened, along with the mobile device 76(which in this embodiment is a trailer) to accommodate more workstationsif it would be advantageous to increase the planting capacity byincreasing the number of workstations per mobile transport device 76.

In this embodiment, for example, a pair of additional respective thirdand fourth workstations 214, 314 have been added to the hopper 12. Thisarrangement doubles the number of workstations 14, 114, 214, 314 of thesystem 10 on the mobile transport device 76 from two to four.Accordingly, the single hopper 12 can be filled from a single sourcewhile supplying the increased number of workstations 14, 114, 214, 314.This or similar alterations of the hopper to allow more workstationsresults in a greater capacity of a single system 10 to bag and placemore trees simultaneously.

Turning to FIG. 12 , at least one set of apparatus can be added forsecuring the system 10 to the mobile transport device 76. In thisembodiment, a set of securing apparatus 160, 160′ are welded orotherwise secured to both the system 10 and the mobile transport device76. The securing apparatus 160, 160′ can be comprised of a hook, loop,D-ring, or other appropriate securing apparatus. At least one strap,chain, wire, rope, line, or other appropriate securing means can then beattached to the securing apparatus 160, 160′ and to the mobile transportdevice 76, then tightened to secure the system 10.

In another embodiment, the process can be automated, with control of thefirst and second robotic arms 28, 128, the first and second auger mediatransfer systems 40, 140 and their components, the first and secondfertilizer additive systems 50, 150 and their components, theirrespective feed rate and mix ratio, and placement and support of eachgrow bag 80, and other components or processes, being achieved byautomated means. An algorithm can be created, and the mechanicalcomponents can be linked to a computer or computers, to control theprocess. The process can be machine-controlled by AI, and if desired,machine learning can be added to a program for continuous improvement.Alternatively, the process can be controlled by one or more users with acomputer, i.e., in a control station.

Turning to FIG. 13 , in another embodiment, the system 10 includes atleast one sensor 164, such as, e.g., an electric eye sensor, which cancoordinate data with the first and/or second robotic arms 28, 128 andthe auger media transfer system 40 to determine correct planting depth.The at least one sensor 164 can provide data to monitor the depth ofplanting media 82 as it fills either grow bag 80, 80′ and coordinatewith the media transfer system 40 to direct it to start and continueflow, then stop it when the sensor detects the correct depth has beenreached. Use of the sensor 164 in this way will greatly increase theconsistency in planting trees in above-ground grow bags by greatlyreducing or eliminating the variability and errors that come frommultiple different workers and their varying skills and abilities whenplanting.

The application of a sensor 164 will help ensure that each above-groundgrow bag 80 is filled to the desired level around each tree 84. Thiswill reduce the variability in planting depths which, when not correct,can result in total failure of the tree. This can also increase theconsistency in the growth and cultivation of each tree 84 whilesimultaneously reducing the amount of wasted potting media 82 due tospilling or mishandling.

Thus, a number of issues can be avoided. For example, trees planted atincorrect depths may have oxygen-deprived roots resulting in root systemdeformity and inability to adequately transport nutrients. This cancause slowed growth during production or death of the tree. Due to thechronic stress from being planted at an incorrect depth, trees are alsomore susceptible to disease and infestation over time, which can alsolead to subsequent death.

In addition, a hopper surge bin lid 60 can also be provided with thesystem 10. The hopper surge bin lid 60 can protect the interior of thesystem 10 when not in use, or when the system 10, 10′ is in use. Thehopper surge bin lid 60 can keep moisture, for example, if it israining, from getting into the potting media 82 and interfering with itsflow.

It is noted that the overall system 10 design is scalable. Both the sizeof the hopper 12 and number of incorporated workstations can be adjustedto fit any size of pickup truck, flatbed truck, or pull-behind trailersystem with some minor adjustments.

This invention provides an improved planting solution and method forassembling, bagging, planting, and placing trees in their specific growareas with increased efficiency and labor savings, and in a reducedtime. This invention eliminates the need for workers to individuallyhand fill grow bags with shovels from a pile of potting media.

This invention also eliminates the need for workers to individually movegrow bags away from the pile of potting media to a staging area, liftand load the heavy, bagged trees, move the bags to their outdoor growlocations, unload the bags, and carry the bags to their individual growlocations. Overall, this system can reduce the labor of planting a tree84 in a grow bag 80 and placing it at the growing spot from multipleworkers, often up to twelve workers, down to two workers, or evenpossibly a single worker.

The invention, by reducing labor to move heavy grow bags about, freesworkers for other tasks and reduces risks to workers of accidents,injuries, or other medical issues. Further, the training required forworkers (e.g., guessing correct fill depths, etc.) can be greatlyreduced.

The invention also reduces the associated stress to large plants ofbeing repeatedly moved before being placed in their grow locations.

Further, the invention helps ensure that trees are planted within theirlimited time window of dormancy, reducing the mortality risk to thetrees.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described herein, the expression of theseindividual embodiments is for illustrative purposes and should not beseen as a limitation upon the scope of the invention. It is to befurther understood that the invention is not to be limited to thespecific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown.

1. A method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag, comprising the steps of: providing a large plant bagging and planting system; comprising; a hopper surge bin, and at least a first workstation and a second workstation, wherein each respective workstation is configured to discharge the hopper contents from the bottom of each respective workstation, wherein each workstation is comprised of either four walls with at least one wall tapering inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, three walls with at least one side tapering inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, or a circular wall tapering inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, and at least one gate located below either the three walls, the four walls, or the circular wall.
 2. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, further comprising the step of: providing at least one control arm configured to manipulate and hold a large plant into position, wherein the at least one control arm is either a manually controlled arm, or a robotic arm, and wherein if the control arm is a robotic arm, the robotic arm is further comprised of arm controls and a powering apparatus, and wherein the robotic arm controls are either present at the apparatus location, connected by wires from a separate location, or controlled remotely.
 3. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, wherein the at least a first and second workstation are connected at or near the center between them, and wherein the respective workstations are configured to be filled by filling the top of the hopper, and further comprising the step of providing a holding frame located below the at least a first workstation and a second workstation.
 4. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one gate is comprised of an upper gate and a lower gate, and wherein the upper and lower gate are each a rack-and-pinion-operated slide gate, a manually operated gate, a motorized gate, a hydraulic system gate, a pneumatic gate, or any combination thereof.
 5. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 4, further comprising the step of: providing a first access cover located above the upper gate and providing a second access cover located below the upper gate.
 6. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 4, further comprising the step of: providing at least one upper sight glass above the upper gate and providing a lower sight glass above the lower gate.
 7. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, further comprising the step of: providing a directed spout below the at least one gate configured to direct potting media toward a grow bag.
 8. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, further comprising the step of: providing at least one auger media transfer system located below the at least one gate, and wherein the auger media transfer system is further comprised of an internal auger, an auger spout, an auger motor, and control apparatus that controls the auger motor.
 9. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 8, wherein the auger media transfer system is configured to provide a controllable discharge rate of potting media.
 10. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, further comprising the step of either: providing a mobile transport apparatus, wherein the at least one workstation is secured to the mobile transport apparatus, and wherein the mobile transport device is a pickup truck, flatbed trailer, flatbed truck, trailer with rails, or a truck with a bed, and the system is further comprised of either a holding frame, or at least one guide, wherein the holding frame or at least one guide is configured to secure the at least one workstation onto the mobile transport apparatus, or, providing an integrated planting vehicle comprised of the at least one workstation and mobile transport apparatus.
 11. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one workstation is comprised of at least a pair of bilateral workstations, configured to dispense potting media from both sides of either a mobile transport apparatus or an integrated planting vehicle.
 12. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, further comprising the step of: providing at least one fertilizer additive system, wherein each fertilizer additive system is further comprised of a fertilizer hopper, a fertilizer internal auger, and a fertilizer spout for discharging potting media, and wherein each fertilizer additive system is located below either the three walls, the four walls, or the circular wall.
 13. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing at least one robotic arm, at least one auger media transfer system, at least one fertilizer additive systems, or any combination of these, and providing at least one automating apparatus configured to automate the at least one robotic arm, the at least one auger media transfer system, the fertilizer additive systems, or any combination of these.
 14. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing at least one robotic arm, at least one auger media transfer system, at least one fertilizer additive systems, or any combination of these, and providing at least one computer linked to the at least one robotic arm, auger media transfer system, fertilizer additive system, or a combination of these, and wherein the automating apparatus is controlled by an algorithm, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or a combination of these.
 15. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing at least one robotic arm, at least one auger media transfer system, or both, and providing at least one sensor configured to coordinate data with the at least one robotic arm, the auger media transfer system, or both, to inform the system when to start potting media flow, and to stop potting media flow once a determined depth has been reached.
 16. The method of planting a large plant within an above-ground grow bag of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: providing at least one above-ground grow bag providing at least one robotic arm, positioning and holding a large plant in place in a specific position within the grow bag with the at least one robotic arm, and feeding potting media from a workstation into the above-ground grow bag, to a determined depth, such that a portion of the large plant is beneath the depth of the potting media.
 17. A large plant bagging and planting system, comprising: a hopper surge bin, at least a first workstation and a second workstation, wherein each respective workstation is configured to discharge the hopper contents from the bottom of each respective workstation, wherein each workstation is comprised of either four walls with at least one wall tapering inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, three walls with at least one side tapering inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, or a circular wall tapering inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, and at least one gate located below either the four walls, the three walls, or the circular wall.
 18. The large plant bagging and planting system of claim 17, wherein the system is further comprised of at least one control arm configured to manipulate and hold a large plant into position, wherein the at least one control arm is either a manually controlled arm, or a robotic arm, and wherein if the control arm is a robotic arm, the robotic arm is further comprised of arm controls and a powering apparatus, and wherein the robotic arm controls are either present at the apparatus location, connected by wires from a separate location, or controlled remotely.
 19. The large plant bagging and planting system of claim 17, wherein the at least a first and second workstation are connected at or near the center between them, and wherein the respective workstations are configured to be filled by filling the top of the hopper surge bin, and further comprising the step of providing a holding frame located below the at least first workstation and second workstation.
 20. A large plant bagging and planting system, comprising: a hopper surge bin, at least a first workstation and a second workstation, wherein each respective workstation is configured to discharge the hopper contents from the bottom of each respective workstation, wherein each workstation is comprised of either four walls with at least one wall tapering inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, three walls with at least one side tapering inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, or a circular wall tapering inward from a wider top opening to a smaller bottom opening, and at least one gate located below either the four walls, the three walls, or the circular wall, and the system is further comprised of a mobile refill system wherein the mobile refill system is further comprised of a refill container. potting media conveyor tubing extending from the refill container to a location atop or within the hopper surge bin, and apparatus configured to move potting media through the potting media conveyor tubing. 